Page 16 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

She glared at the men’s briefs and clothes Klaus had left out for her, but at least they were better than the robe she’d slept in. She stared at the ring on her finger and groaned in frustration, reminded of all the lies she was about to tell.

Klaus must still be downstairs.Even if she didn’t want to share a bed with him, the realisation worried her.If they find out we aren’t engaged, will his family report me to the council Argyle mentioned?

The jumper and joggers were far too big, so she rolled up the bottoms and cuffed the sleeves.If I’m going to be here for twelve days, he’ll have to take me into the village to get some clothes and the right products for my hair. I think contacts would be pushing it… at least I have my glasses. I might be able to convince his mum or sister to take me once we’re better acquainted.

There wasn’t much she could do about her curls, except resecure them in a messy bun. Despite discovering more hair products in the bathroom than anyone should need in their lifetime, Lyla had found nothing to aid her. Her own collection was impressive, though necessary to maintain her curls, but between hair gels and beard oils, he had her beaten.Then again, maybe Mrs Klaus got them and just wanted to be prepared for anything he might need?She picked up one of the bottles in bewilderment.Scented beard oil?He didn’t evenhavea beard. No wonder he always looks so perfect; he must get his cosmetic compulsion from his mum.

She put the bottle back and returned to the bedroom, where she pulled a pair of thick socks on over the long joggers. With little time remaining before she had to go to breakfast, she took a moment to snoop around the bedroom, studying the old maps on the wall. Nearly every country was pinned with different coloured location markers.He must have travelled a lot when he was younger.If she had to play his future bride for the next few days, it was helpful to know details such as a liking for travel.

She shook her head in disbelief. Yesterday they couldn’t even be in the same room as each other. Now, she was in his childhood room. She hated that he hadn’t told her where he was bringing her, but thinking of his promise gave her some comfort.Once this is all over, we can go back to ignoring each other and pretend that this never happened, for the sake of the company. This will certainly be a Christmas I’ll never forget…

Several chimes rang throughout the house, and she remembered she was supposed to be at breakfast. Her fifteen minutes of peace were up. She was disappointed not to have time to snoop through the rest of the cabin before everyone woke.

The smell of something delicious wafted down the long hallway. Lyla followed the scent down to the entrance and through the logged archway to a great sitting room with white fluffy beanbags and suede burgundy couches. Above the mantle of another roaring fire was a TV screen, the perfect size for watching old movies on.An old black and white film, with a cup of hot chocolate.The thought of chocolate and the smell of what might be pancakes made her mouth water and her stomach gurgle.

The cabin wrapped around in an open plan, and she soon came face to face with Klaus, his brother, and his mother in the kitchen. They looked surprisingly well-put-together so early in the morning, Mrs Klaus in a bright red wrap dress and Kevin in jeans and a hoodie, with a band title on the front Lyla had never heard of. She felt like a slob in Klaus’s clothes.

Kevin was setting the table. She wanted to say hi and introduce herself, but Klaus motioned for her to sit without a word. She stared at him, looking like a stranger without his suit.He’s wearing… jeans?They were black –like his soul –butjeans?

“So glad you could join us! We thought about letting you sleep on. Travelling by bell can be hard on those not used to it,” Mrs Klaus said, appearing behind her and making Lyla jump. “Didn’t mean to frighten you,” she added teasingly, setting down a tray of various juices.

“There was really no need to go to all this trouble,” Lyla said, looking at the table set for a king. She wanted to help, but she got the feeling she would only be in the way; she took a seat.

“What trouble?” Kevin said, looking at the table in confusion.

“Nothing – it’s lovely,” she said, realising this must be normal for them.

“Don’t let Kevin trick you; we don’t dine like this every morning,” Mrs Klaus said. “We’re usually far too busy, but it’s not every day we welcome a new member into the family. I wish it could have been done sooner…” She glanced at Klaus, who was currently more interested in the bacon sizzling on the stove than their conversation.

“Nice to meet you, Kevin. Sorry I didn’t say hi last night,” Lyla said, trying to be polite. The teenager looked at her like she was the mad one.

“No need to be sorry – it’s a pleasure to meet me,” he said in the same smug tone Klaus often used.

“What has got into you? Don’t be so rude to our guest.” Mrs Klaus glared at her youngest son. From the look he gave her, he didn’t think he had done anything wrong.

“How can I be the only one surprised that Mason has a girlfriend?” Kevin demanded. “No, not even a girlfriend. He gotengaged,and didn’t tell us?”

Lyla suddenly found her plate very interesting. She didn’t want to lie to them.Klaus could have come to wake me… will they think it’s strange he hasn’t even said good morning? It might have reassured them.She looked to Klaus, hoping he would save her.

Klaus leaned over her, and for a second she thought he was going to kiss her, but he only picked up a plate of chocolate chip pancakes. “See something you like?” he asked with a grin, and she flushed.

“Plenty,” she replied, flustered. “The food looks incredible,” she finished, and Klaus’s smirk disappeared. He took a seat.

“Can we eat? Or are we going to continue to make Lyla feel uncomfortable?” he said, and took a bite of his pancake.A sweet tooth? Anyone with a body like his who can eat such stuff should be a crime against nature.

Mrs Klaus patted Lyla’s hand reassuringly on the table, then paused and looked down.

“What a beautiful ring! My great-aunt would have been delighted to know it’s being worn by someone, rather than sitting in a jewellery box,” she said, and Lyla’s answer stuck in her throat.Did he have to give me a ring with such meaning?

“I don’t know how I didn’t notice it last night,” Mrs Klaus continued, lifting Lyla’s hand. Klaus merely shrugged, leaving it to Lyla to make up an excuse.

“It was resized – it was a little small. Kl— Mason only remembered to give it back to me last night before bed. In the rush to get here, it slipped my mind that I wasn’t wearing it,” she babbled, hoping no one would notice that her heart was racing.

A female voice came from the hall. “On the life of Saint Nic, it’s bloody freezing out there!”

Lyla was grateful for the interruption, and to hopefully meet Klaus’s sister.

“Mind your language! We have a guest,” Mrs Klaus called as she placed down hot plates of bacon and eggs.

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